Real-time communication in local area ring networks

The feasibility of using buffered transmission, which has the advantages of eliminating the token passing overhead and relieving the network interface from the complex token handling operations, is considered. The concept of a real-time channel (RTC) and the RTC establishment procedures are reviewed. Its performance is then compared with the FDDI timed token protocol. Simulation results show that the buffered transmission in local area ring networks equipped with real-time channels enhances both the networks´ throughput and the ability to support heterogeneous real-time traffic. The implementation of the network interface is also examined with an example design showing the feasibility of real-time channels in high-speed local area networks